Patrick is a three-year-old boy from Malawi. He is the youngest of two children. His parents are farmers who grow maize, beans, and groundnuts to support the family. A year ago, Patrick started experiencing a painful swelling on the right side below his waist. His mother took him to a nearby health center, where she was advised to seek medical help at Nkhoma Hospital. Patrick was diagnosed with a right inguinal hernia and was advised to have corrective surgery. This condition causes him abdominal pain whenever the swelling appears and his parents are worried about their child’s health. If left untreated, it may lead to more health complications. Treatment will relieve Patrick of the pain and alleviate his parents’ stress. Patrick is scheduled for surgery on March 12th and our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $421 for the surgery. Patrick’s mother says, “I am looking forward to my son’s treatment and recovery so that he can be happy again.”

Kelly is a 23-year-old Business Administration student from Kenya. Her family members assist in offering her with living support, especially since her father passed away in 2022, and her mother suffers from a condition that requires constant care. In January 2024, Kelly's left knee was struck by a door, leading to swelling and pain in the area. Subsequently, the swelling burst, resulting in pus formation. She sought medical attention at a nearby hospital, but unfortunately, her condition did not improve. Kelly was taken our medical partner's care center, AIC Kijabe Hospital, where she was diagnosed with a small, proximal tibia sequester. Surgery was recommended, without which there was a risk she could lose her leg. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Kelly receive treatment. On April 8th, surgeons at AIC Kijabe Hospital will perform a sequestrectomy debridement external fixation to prevent the infection from spreading, and save her leg. Now, Kelly's family needs help to fund this $1,500 procedure. Kelly says: “I stopped going to college because of the infection. I cannot walk or use my leg because of the infection. I am requesting for treatment support to help preserve my leg.”

Oeun is a 19-year-old construction worker who lives with his parents and younger brother. Both of his parents are rice farmers, while Oeun and his brother stopped school when they reached the age of 16 in order to work and help support the family. His younger brother works as a motorbike mechanic, and Oeun recently got a job in construction. On October 10th, Oeun was leaving work on his motorbike when a tuk tuk turned a corner and crashed into him. He was rushed to a nearby clinic for a broken shoulder and the loss of one toe. A couple of days later, Oeun's mother brought him to a traditional healer in the village because of pain and swelling in his right shoulder. Since then, his pain has not improved. He is having difficulty sleeping because of the discomfort, and in performing every day activities, as he is unable to lift his arm. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On November 8th, Oeun will undergo a fracture repair procedure at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre, which will cost $483. This procedure will unite the fracture, and allow Oeun to move his arm easily again. Oeun shared: "I hope I can move my arm again and go back to work to help my family."